- HubPages»
- Pets and Animals»
- Dogs & Dog Breeds»
- Dog Breeds
All About the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Pit Bull
A breed near and dear to my heart, the vicious American Pit Bull Terrier has definitely stolen a pretty big chunk out of my soul. A little drastic- yes- maybe but, the truth.
What do I find so great about this dog breed?
Simple... Courage. Loyalty. Strength. Beauty.
To me this powerful dog breed represents the greatness that I want to be and the greatness that I want in my life.
Yes, the breed is a powerful one and without proper training, socialization, and care, the breed can be dominant and aggressive, but you have to remember that they were never bred for human aggression, as these dogs were top- most family pets with a job- dog fighting.
My APBT & Pit Bulls as Pets
Here you will find a large number of pictures of my American Pit Bull Terrier, and yes, she's blue. There are a few videos, as well. Check them out and let me know what you think of my pretty girl.
Well, not so much Demon, but Gotti instead; my vicious APBT sleeps in my bed every night. I'm not only mentally challenged for having a Pit Bull as a pet (so says a "pit bull" basher), but I must be legally insane for letting one sleep in my bed. ;-) Find out basic temperament characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed.
The APBT is a great breed, and with proper training and socialization can be a wonderful dog. You will find that they have no prone health disorders and can be as loyal to you as a good friend. Before deciding to take the plunge to bring home an APBT, make sure that you do your research about the breed, as you want to make sure that you know what you'll be up against.
Because American Pit Bull Terriers and other pit bull type dogs are constantly under the evil eye, you want to make sure that you are a responsible owner if you choose to share your life and heart to a dog of the bully breed classification. You'll find very basic, and mostly common sense tips to how to be a responsible pet parent to a bully breed dog.
Check out these tips for picking the perfect breeder and puppy. You want to make sure that you make the right choice, as this puppy will be under your care for 10 to 12 years.
There are enough myths about bullies to begin with, much les if you're thinking about adopting... Check this out so taht you can learn the typical restrictions and mthys about adoption.
Origin of the Pit Bull
Dog fighting in any sense is a gruesome "sport" (if you wish to call it that), but dog fighting in the beginning was nothing like it is to today's mind and eye. In the beginning, dog fighting had strict rules and regulations for the dog's owner and even stricter rules for the dog.
Gameness is common referred to as aggression and viciousness, but it's really the sheer determination, under any circumstance, to win, whether that circumstance is protecting its owner or trying to survive.
Is it possible to rehabilitate a "pit bull" that has been found in fighting situations- whether a fighter, breeder, or bait dog? To some degree, I think so. What do you think?
Because of the dog fighting background and the multiple alleged attacks (not all reported "pit bull" attacks are truly caused by "pit bulls".. see Severe Dog Attacks link below) Breed Specific Legislation have come to play in many districts. I don't think that this is the solution by any means; what do you think?
Pit Bulls in the Media
The American Pit Bull Terrier and other "pit bull" type dogs have been in the media for decades, and not all of those reports were bad reports.
The "pit bull" has been a war veteran, as well as a drug sniffing dog, search and rescue dog, and hearing dogs. The breed is the only breed to have been featured on the cover of "Life" magazine 3 times, in addition to war propaganda posters, and the Buster Brown shoe advertisements.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has been featured in various movies, playing the role of the loving, family dog.
Many celebrities have American Pit Bull Terriers as pets, as well.
Dog Attacks and Pit Bull Myths
Find out some truths to the stories that you hear on the news. Find out what you may, or may not know, about the breed that the media views as inherently vicious with a special taste bud for humans. There are other dog breeds from the past who have had similar reputations as that to the American Pit Bull Terrier and other pit bull type dogs, and these dogs have had their image reshaped and rebuilt. It can happen again.
There are some pretty crazy myths surrounding APBTs. Find out the truths behind these erroneous statements.
Published References About the APBT
Find my favorite books about caring for Pit Bulls, training Pit Bulls, and myths about Pit Bulls. With any pet, whether reptile, small mammal, fish, cat, or dog, it's always great to have a reference book to be able to read up on.
There are four really good documentaries displaying the underground fighting rings and the stereotypical "pit bull." But, you'll also find footage of the family pet and child protector. These documentaries are uncensored film footage.
- The Good Dog - American Pit Bull
Stories. Myths. History.